What is the NSW Homelessness Community Alliance?

The Homelessness Alliance was formed by Homelessness NSW, the Youth Accommodation Association and the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) in November 2008 following their concern at the lack of community sector engagement in planning and preparation by the NSW Government. NCOSS is the Chair of the Homelessness Alliance.

Aims of the Homelessness Alliance:
1. To assist and monitor the implementation of the White Paper, National Affordable Housing Agreement and federal initiatives that impact on homelessness in NSW.
2. To provide input into the NSW State Plan in light of the Premier’s decision to add homelessness as a priority
3. To provide input into the development of the NSW Homelessness Strategic Framework and the Regional Implementation Plans, and to monitor their implementation.
4. To provide advice to both State and Federal Governments on matters relating to homelessness
5. To contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of good policy
6. To provide a focus for the community and government to be informed, educated and to debate issues around homelessness
Who are the members of the Homelessness Alliance?
The NSW Homelessness Community Alliance (Homelessness Alliance) comprises peak bodies and service providers with expertise and interest in the issue of homelessness.

Homelessness NSW - Sue Cripps sue@homelessnessnsw.org.au
Youth Accommodation Association - Michael Coffey michael@yaa.com.au
NSW Council of Social Service - Warren Gardiner warren@ncoss.org.au
NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Working Party Inc - Cat Gander eo@wrrc.org.au
Homeless Persons Legal Service - Julie Hourigan Ruse julie@piac.asn.au
Network of Alcohol & Drug Agencies - Larry Pierce  larry@nada.org.au
Mental Health Coordinating Council - Jenna Bateman jenna@mhcc.org.au
Shelter NSW - Katie Florance
katie@shelternsw.org.au
NSW Federation of Housing Assocs. - Adam Farrer adam@communityhousing.org.au
Welfare Rights Centre, Sydney – Maree O’Halloran mareeo@welfarerights.org.au

What have we done so far?

• We have established a strong process to provide advice to the NSW Government on homelessness.
• We have held a meeting with Ministers Burney and Borger seeking advice on the role of NGOs in the development of the NSW Homelessness Strategic Framework and its ongoing management and monitoring.
• We have provided advice on the development of the NSW Homelessness Strategic Framework.
• We are building a strong, shared and coherent understanding of homelessness and have reviewed the White Paper, agreeing on a joint position on key areas of strength or concern within the paper.

To contact the Homelessness Alliance, please call:
Sue Cripps  9319 7111,
Michael Coffey  9698-5833 Ext 4
Cat Gander  9698 9777